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Compass Group partners with Youth Employment UK and Futures For All to launch employment programme

The initiative forms part of Compass’s Classroom to Careers programme and will provide online learning, virtual workplace sessions and in-person work experience.

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Compass Group UK & Ireland has partnered with Youth Employment UK and Futures For All to launch an employment programme for 14 to 19-year-olds.

The initiative forms part of Compass’s Classroom to Careers programme and will provide online learning, virtual workplace sessions and in-person work experience.

Youth Employment UK’s 2026 Youth Voice Census Report found that 57% of young people saw a lack of work experience as the biggest barrier to employment, up from 47% in 2025. 

Only 28% felt they had suitable experience.

It also found that 39% did not believe good-quality jobs were available locally, while 18% believed employers supported hiring young people.

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The programme has three stages. 

The first is a one-hour online module from Youth Employment UK covering careers including hospitality, HR, finance and digital roles.

It is available to 1,000 educators.

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Futures For All will then run virtual workplace sessions from 4th to 12th February 2027. 

These will include workplace simulations, live question-and-answer sessions and contact with industry staff.

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Compass will provide three-to-five-day work experience placements at its UK and Ireland venues from May to July 2027.

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Jonathan Foot, director of skills and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We believe every young person should have access to the skills, experiences and opportunities that help them build a successful future. 

“This is another important milestone in our Classroom to Careers journey – creating clear pathways from education into meaningful employment. 

“By bringing together the expertise of Youth Employment UK, Futures For All and Compass, this new course provides a practical solution to the barriers many young people face.”

Foot added: “Together, we are helping to raise aspirations, improve social mobility and inspire the next generation of talent.”

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Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, chief executive of Youth Employment UK, said: “Our Youth Voice Census findings clearly show that young people want to work, but a lack of work experience and confidence remains their biggest barrier to securing entry-level roles. 

“The Classroom to Careers course offers a direct solution by connecting online career exploration and virtual insight days directly with meaningful, hands-on work experience.

“By partnering with Compass Group UK & Ireland and Futures For All, we are breaking down barriers, empowering state school and college students across the UK, and giving them the real world skills and industry connections they need to thrive in the workplace.”

Nick Brook, chief executive of Futures For All, said: “Every young person deserves a real shot at a career, whatever their starting point. That’s what the Classroom to Careers course is about. 

“We’re proud to work alongside Compass and Youth Employment UK to open doors into one of the UK’s most vital sectors, giving young people hands-on work experience and the confidence to take their first step.”

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The programme is free for UK state-funded schools and colleges. 

Students must complete the first stage by 31st December 2026 to qualify for the virtual sessions and work placements.

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